Anyone from Matlacha who finds Hurricane Wilma stronger than their desire to stay in their home can find last-minute refuge at Capt. Mike’s Market.
Manager Ric Jefferis decided to open the store 8 a.m. Monday, no matter how bad Wilma’s wrath and regardless of the condition of the store. Storm-shocked residents are even instructed to come behind the building and pound on the door to be let in at any time during the storm.
“If we don’t open, there will be no place on the island for people to get bread, cigarettes, beer or anything else,” Jefferis said late Sunday night as Wilma’s winds started to blow in the area.

Jefferis does not drive, and can walk to about wherever he wants in the area. But that can be limiting, particularly after a bad storm.
“People here shouldn’t have to go without anything if I can prevent it,” he said.
Turns out famed author Randy Wayne White, a mystery writer and former fly-fishing guide, is a regular customer (Full discloser: I am a big fan of White’s writing, and just finished his book Captiva.)
White, a resident of Pine Island, came in shortly before 9 p.m. to buy bread, Gatorade and other groceries.
We chatted briefly before I realized who he was, then shook hands and introduced ourselves.
“Be safe,” he said. “I’ll be the guy living in the only house with lights out there. Stop by if you like.”
Tempting. Very tempting.